If you have read my last post, then you will know that this year, I will be making a conscious effort to show some love to smaller brands, those who may not be getting sufficient government support and those who I want to see open next year and beyond:
https://thetzoneblog.wordpress.com/2020/11/15/shopsmallthischristmas/
This past Christmas I attempted to shop at smaller, local businesses.
It is also important to support Black Owned Businesses. Why you ask? Let me start by saying that this post is not to encourage people to ONLY shop with black owned businesses. It is not a post discouraging people to shop at other businesses, owned by people of different races. This post aims to simply raise awareness of black owned brands which do not have huge marketing budgets, do not always get the exposure they deserve, are not available in Superdrugs, Boots and other high street retailers but most importantly, actually create good, honest and effective products. Why not buy hair care for black hair from a black person/business?
To be honest, this is a long blog post in itself, but to summarise:
To support individuals like you and me. If I was to start a business, and believe me, I have been tempted…. I would hope that other individuals would give my products a try, rather than going straight to larger well-known brands. I think it is important to support individuals who are passionate about what they are selling, rather than corporate brands who are mainly interested in making money off of any product which sells. This obviously benefits local communities too, as those individuals can better support themselves. 10/10 of the beauty and hair care products I have tried from small black owned brands have been BETTER than the similar ones available right off the shelf in supermarkets and drug stores.
To close the wealth gap. There were many practices in the past which aimed to keep the black population from the highest paid jobs and owning property. Now that these barriers are illegal to implement in large businesses (although it still occurs), it is the best time to support black businesses to allow and enable their businesses to grow. Fair access to opportunities not permitted to them a few decades ago.
To celebrate African and Caribbean culture. Many black businesses enrich their products, processes and ingredients with influences from the culture itself. Many black hair care brands use organic shea butter from Africa or Jamaican black castor oil. This leads on to my next point….
To support local communities…. at home and abroad. In the UK (if it is a black owned UK business) and in developing countries (in Africa and the Caribbean where ingredients, spices, shea butter, African fabrics are imported from) The small black businesses that I mention below all use our transport systems, our postal or courier services, shop locally for ingredients as well as sourcing some from abroad, pay small marketing pr firms and influencers like myself as well as printing companies for literature and packaging. They pay their taxes, business rates….This is all revenue which support other local businesses and their relevant industries. This is just a few of the MANY reasons to support black owned brands this year.
REMEMBER: Supporting a b rand is not always spending money. To support you can like, comment, follow and subscribe or share on social media, mention them in your posts, mention them in conversation and
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This company below was founded by a hardworking and BEAUTIFUL black woman. I love the products, the effect that they have on my skin and hair, as the essence of the brand. Honest, natural beauty.
Kadian, the founder of the business is a beautiful human inside out. She sells the most amazing hair care for every curly girl and natural queen. She sells skincare, naturally fragranced and FRAGRANCE FREE, yes I said fragrance free! (music to every skincare addictsโ ears). Handmade soaps and butters, oils and leave in conditioners, whatever you need, she has got it.
https://www.bournbeautifulnaturals.uk/
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The next brand was a late discovery, but I am SO glad I accidentally came across them on Instagram!
Not only are they black owned, but they are Trini owned! Their brand brings to life all of the colours and flavours of carnival and the Caribbean. This is a breath of fresh air to me as I have been STARVED of all things carnival this year. This is a lovely concept, to marry the home of carnival, with an eyeshadow palette.
If you like pigmented eyeshadows/Trinidad/Roti/Curry….this will be a PERFECRT gift, To someone else (or yourself)
https://www.sinorabeautycosmetics.com/
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The next brand I want to mention is for lipstick lovers. If you follow me on Instagram or Youtube:
You will be aware that I fell in love with Miss Eannan liquid lipsticks. They are fun and bright, they last all day and they suit all skin tones. Check out her awesome lipsticks here:
Click the video below to watch my in depth review and see all the colours:
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If you arenโt really into make-up or natural hair care, that is ok. I recently discovered a really interesting brand, one which I could not keep to myself.
They sell amazing butters! The texture is so soft and fluffy, great for knees, elbows and areas of eczema. Tried and tested. I love how moisturising it is. BUT it is also great for hair. It helps to smooth my flyaways and split ends.
I love using these butters on my skin. Even the driest areas can feel soft, moisturised and supple. Perfect for sensitive skin and babies, tried and tested. Vegan, cruelty free…. How can one go wrong?
I also LOVE LOVE LOVE sealing my ends with it too, as you can see in my IG post above.
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I have had their African Map sweatshirts on my wish-list for the longest time. This is a fashion brand influenced by African prints, design and culture. I love the beautiful prints and fabrics used.
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Mon Shea and I have a long standing relationship. Their oils are second to none and have an effect on my hair that I find hard to describe! The smooth, they seal, they make my hair shine.
They use great ingredients and their owner is absolutely lovely. I wish her all the success in the world.
For more detail, click the link and read my review:
https://thetzoneblog.wordpress.com/2020/04/23/monsheahairoil/
If you have type 3 or 4 hair I would HIGHLY recommend. They do scalp oils and skincare too.
This year has been difficult for everyone, but for black owned brands run by individuals like you and me, they cannot survive without continuing customer support.
Here are a few other Black owned businesses to support:
https://www.vestalondonbeauty.com/
https://stessentials.com/collections
Home
https://www.lucianobarrow.co.uk / https://www.instagram.com/cheflb/ https://www.instagram.com/caribbean_eats_lb/
If you have a black owned business, please leave a link down below so that I can check you out!
Happy New Year everyone. Be safe.
xTx
The Tzone Blog 
This post was important to read, it is so important that we support black business. Thank you for introducing me to these companies, especially the hair companies. I will be checking out the fashion one too, grass fields as I have never heard of them before.
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Yes! We need to support more than ever. Such a tricky time for business xxx
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